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Last week's "Injustice: Gods Among Us" delivered such a heartbreaking punch, it seemed impossible for this week to "top" that end of reveal. Oh, ho! Each week, Tom Taylor continues to build this prequel series into something that is, in turns, dynamic, shocking and just plain sad. In fact, I think "sad" may be the best way to describe "Injustice: Gods Among Us #4."

The end of last issue provided heartbreaking visuals of a horrific event unfolding, and this issue picks up a short while after, where we are left with the aftermath of two life-changing events. Though while Superman may be the main character, the Joker truly steals this issue with his cruel wit and deranged observations. Perhaps one of the most frustrating and yet satisfying things about the Joker is that he is a pure anarchist, existing solely for the purpose of throwing things off kilter. It is through this anarchy that he poses his most sadistic of experiments:

We have long known that Batman's tragic backstory is the reason for why he is the most dangerous of DC's superheroes. Without his parents death as a catalyst, he would have never sought out his training, and without his particular training, he would never have been the vigilante hero we know and love. Superman is, in many ways, the antithesis to Batman, with his wholesome, happy upbringing and his unshakable "goodness." This issue of "Injustice: Gods Among Us" poses this question directly: What would become of the Man of Steel if he experienced true tragedy?

The entire series has been geared toward showing the inevitable change of Superman, but this issue is the first in which we start to see this change of character. Perhaps what makes it even more heartbreaking is not the act which shakes him to begin with, but the reaction from those around him. Batman, especially, shows tremendous loyalty and belief in his friend, which will undoubtedly be the foundation of their rivalry in-game. Already we see Superman behaving more callously toward Justice League members, namely Green Lantern.

Once again, the story ends with a gut punch of a last page. Here though, is a moment that is both gut wrenching and head-scratching. While it is quite dramatic and shows this deterioration of Superman, it also opens a plethora of questions. It's almost impossible to discuss without spoiling, so I'll leave it saying that I have no reason to doubt that Taylor will explain and reveal all in a satisfying manner. Though this does feel like a turning point for the comic.

The art throughout the comic maintains its quality and style but I do feel the need to point out one panel in particular. Let me preface this by saying as a female comic fan, I overlook and accept a lot of stuff. As mentioned, the first handful of pages in this issue are achingly sad. Which is why, when Wonder Woman approaches Superman at his most vulnerable moment, it is slightly diminished by the fact that her breasts are not only the largest thing in frame, but also about to fall out of her costume. The panel before features a gorgeous, dramatic silhouette of her approach, and that next scene is jarring to say the least. The art's not bad, it just feels out of place, especially in a series that has, thus far, strove so hard to focus on the emotions at play.

There is little else to say about this issue other than "buy it." The series is continuing at a breakneck pace and does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.